Comprehensive Guide to BIS & EPR Certificate for Indian Market Compliance

Recognizing the Value of EPR and BIS Certification
Ensuring product compliance in India is crucial for both market entrance and customer trust, and it goes beyond simple regulatory requirements. The two certifications that stand out as essential components of the regulatory system for both local manufacturers and overseas importers are the BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Certificate and the EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) Certificate. These certifications provide easy access to the Indian consumer market in addition to demonstrating a product's compliance with safety and environmental regulations in India.

BIS Certification: What Is It?
The Bureau of Indian Standards offers a program for product quality assurance called BIS Certification. In order to guarantee quality, safety, and dependability, it requires that items adhere to Indian Standards (IS). According to the Government of India's announcements under the ISI Mark Scheme or Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS), BIS certification is required for specific product categories.

Types of BIS Certification Requirements
BIS certification encompasses, but is not restricted to:

IT goods and electronics (per CRS)

Electrical Appliances for the Home

Automobile Attachments

Building Supplies and Cement

Products Made of Steel

Baby Products and Toys

Without a current BIS License or Registration, a product that is classified as requiring certification cannot be imported, sold, or distributed in India.

BIS Certification Scheme Types
The ISI Mark Scheme is applicable to domestic producers of goods that must be certified. Products with the ISI logo have undergone testing and approval in accordance with certain Indian Standards.

The Compulsory Registration Scheme (CRS) is designed for companies that produce IT and electronic products. To lawfully sell these products in India, manufacturers, both domestic and international, must register with the CRS.

Foreign Manufacturer Certification System, or FMCS: This program, which is intended for foreign manufacturers, allows them to market their certified goods in India and apply for a BIS license.

Step-by-Step Guide to BIS Certification 1. Determine Which Indian Standards (IS) Apply:
Start by determining which Indian Standard Code applies to the goods in question.

2. Product Testing: at India, products must undergo testing at a laboratory accredited by the BIS. The application is submitted with the test findings.

3. Document Preparation: Gather and prepare the necessary paperwork:

License for business

Registration of the factory

ISO certifications

Test results

Documents from an Authorized Indian Representative (AIR) (for overseas candidates)

4. Online Application Submission: Send in your application, any necessary supporting documentation, and test reports via the BIS site.

5. Factory Inspection (for ISI/FMCS): BIS representatives examine the production facility to evaluate adherence to quality assurance and Indian Standards.

6. Issuance of BIS License: The manufacturer is permitted to use the ISI Mark or CRS number on products after the inspection and supporting papers are accepted.

What is the EPR Certification?
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) oversees the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Certification, which is a requirement for environmental compliance. EPR authorization is required for producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) who deal with plastic trash or electronic garbage (e-waste).

Producers are held responsible by the EPR certificate for the safe collection, recycling, and disposal of waste resulting from their products after they are used by consumers.

EPR Authorization: Who Needs It?
An EPR certificate is required for the following organizations:

producers of electronic and electrical devices (EEE)

importers of plastic packaging or electronics

Online marketplaces and brand owners selling under their names

Manufacturers of multilayered plastic or plastic packaging materials

CPCB-recommended EPR Categories
EPR falls into two general waste management categories:

Rules for the Management of E-Waste, 2022

includes devices like printers, refrigerators, televisions, mobile phones, and computers.

Rules for the Management of Plastic Waste, 2016

consists of single-use, multilayered, and packaging plastics.

The EPR Certification Procedure
1. Classification of Businesses:
According to the relevant EPR regulations, identify whether you are a producer, importer, or brand owner.

2. CPCB site Registration: Submit an online application using the CPCB's unified EPR site, which includes comprehensive product and waste management strategy details.

3. EPR Plan Submission: An EPR Action Plan outlining waste collection, channelization partners (recyclers), and the annual waste management volume must be submitted.

4. Involvement with PROs (Producer Responsibility Organizations): To meet their responsibilities, many manufacturers contract with approved PROs to handle recycling and garbage collection.

5. Approval and Certificate Issuance: The EPR authorization is given a unique registration number by the CPCB after verification. Periodically, the license needs to be renewed.

Documentation Needed for EPR Registration Certificate of Company Incorporation

GST certification

Import Export Code, or IEC

Product information accompanied with HSN codes

Information about the channel partners

Volumes of plastic packaging or e-waste

The Significance of BIS and EPR Certifications for Market Access and Legal Compliance
Product seizures, fines, and potential bans from the Indian market result from noncompliance.

Brand Credibility: In industries where quality is crucial, certified products guarantee a competitive edge and foster consumer trust.

Environmental Sustainability: By encouraging appropriate waste management, EPR helps India realize its goals of environmental preservation and a circular economy.

BIS certification violations can result in fines of up to ?2,00,000 per product.

Potential two-year jail sentence

Recalling a product or prohibiting its sale

Violations of the EPR Certificate: The PCB punitive penalties involve steep fines.

Registration cancellation

Importer or manufacturer blacklisting

Duration and Validity of BIS Validity of Certification: Two years, renewable upon compliance.

Validity of EPR Authorization: Usually one year, subject to compliance reports and yearly upgrades.

How to Make BIS and EPR Certification Easier
We advise collaborating with seasoned compliance consultants who are experts in regulatory submissions, testing assistance, and authority liaison. They speed up certification processes and help prevent expensive mistakes.

In conclusion
BIS and EPR certification are crucial for producers, importers, and brand owners hoping to succeed in the Indian market. They safeguard consumer rights, improve brand image, and guarantee adherence to India's safety and environmental objectives. Securing these certifications can be simple and beneficial for business expansion with the right preparation, prompt paperwork, and professional advice.